Vancouver Island Doulas (Blog)

Venturing Out

2011-02-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

When Tanesha asked me if I would be interested in writing for the Vancouver Island Doulas Collective blog, I was both excited and apprehensive. I've never done anything like this before! But venturing outside my comfort zone wasn't an idea I was against, so here I am. For better or for worse, I hope to share little snippits of my life as a stay-at-home parent to two little girls, Hannah (2.5) and Felicity (6 weeks). I was privileged to have Tanesha present for my second daughter's birth. Rather than reflecting for my first post, though, I wanted to share a little bit of what I do with my time on a day to day basis--learning how to communicate about elimination with a newborn baby.

Just for a bit of context, my 2.5yo DD was cloth diapered from the day she got home. I didn’t know much (if anything) about EC until she was a fair bit older. I thought about trying it, but never did. She is still fully diapered (much to my dismay). She is very stubborn (ah, just like her mama…) and it has really turned us off the prospect of ever going through potty learning again. That said, I still didn’t know if ECing would be for us. We are pretty “green” but it seemed like a hard thing to learn to me.

I have friends who have been ECing so with Felicity and the amount of support I had I thought I would try it. “Try” being the operative, I was not willing to invest more than $10 on the little tiny round potty bowl I bought from Continuum Family (a local business here in Victoria, and owned by my friend Deirdre). Not because I didn’t think it wasn’t a great thing to do, because I do, but I had serious doubts in myself and my ability to read my baby’s cues! I thought it was going to be way hard for me and my addled brain to figure out.

When Felicity was a couple weeks old the house got a bad cold virus that lasted a couple of weeks. Up to then we hadn’t really tried the potty, but with the rash I was keeping her out of diapers as much as I could. She was only in a diaper when she was sleeping in the wrap or mei tai or when we were out of the house. I tried everything I could to get rid of it--calendula, extra strength zincofax, LuSa bottom balm, Jack Newman’s all purpose nipple ointment…nothing worked! We didn’t realize that it was probably her tiny body fighting off the virus until the rest of us came down with the same bug, but it was enough time for us to realize that not only does she have sensitive skin, but that pottying was actually really easy.

I used my friend Deirdre’s suggestions of using the potty while she was nursing (they always go while they’re nursing at this age, it’s a reflex) and right after she wakes up. I’m pretty good at sitting the potty between my legs, her bottom in the potty, and getting her on the breast comfortably with my arm supporting her head and back. While she was going, I would make the cue sound, “psss”. She didn’t understand the cue at the beginning, but the goal of that was to teach her that this is what you’re doing, and this is a good time to do it. After a couple weeks of that, with Felicity now just over 6 weeks, if I sit her on the potty and “cue” her, she will go if she needs to.

Even just pottying her during those two times where I know she is likely to go (while nursing, after waking) has saved us countless diapers (cloth or disposable, it’s all one less to change!). She averages 3 naps a day, and nurses really frequently. It’s less laundry or less waste no matter how you slice it. To me, every success (which I celebrate with an exaggerated “good job!” and a big smile so she recognizes that the cue sound + eliminating = good!) is fantastic. Every miss is not a big deal--during the day she is largely a nudist but I keep myself (and my clothes) relatively safe by keeping a prefold under her bottom and often a change pad as well.

The biggest conclusion I’ve come to with EC is that it’s not as hard as I thought it would be, but it is a little more time, I’m sure, than just doing disposable diapers (I think it’s pretty comparable to cloth when you factor in the laundry and the more frequent changes than with sposies). Given that the potty cost us about $10 with tax, and that it saves me at least 5 diapers a day, I think it’s paid for itself ten times over--so I do think it’s worth it for just about anyone who has that little bit of time and inclination to give it a shot.

Now that we’re a little more committed to it, I went ahead and ordered some split crotch pants (and I also received a pair as a baby gift from Deirdre, which was wonderful, along with some EcaPants!). I’m also going to knit some, along with some leggings, and have already knit Felicity a little skirt she can wear for easy pottying. I will (when I get the chance) sew her up some panties as well.

In some ways, I suppose this post is about venturing outside one's "comfort zone" and trying something new. Is there anything you want to do that is outside yours? Why don't you give it a shot? The outcome might just surprise you!

Have Faith in your parenting skills!

2011-01-12T21:49:00.001-08:00

As a new mom or dad is born, so is the insecurity of parenting.

I have learned over the past 5 years that you have to just believe in yourself, your partner and your parenting abilities. Your parenting is not going to be the same as your best friend, your sister, your sister in law, or your neighbour. You have to do what you and your partner (although there can be some dispute at times) think is right for your family.

I read pregnancy, labour and parenting books one after another. Some information you find will fit your lifestyle and work for you, however if you feel something isn't right for you, then just put that information back on the shelf where you found it. Over the years I realized that parenting books contradict each other, so your left with the same questions that you started with. Co-sleeping, prime example. Some books say that it is great for both babe and parents, others say it is dangerous for both. Do what YOU feel is right. I'm not saying don't research the topic you are inquiring. I am just suggesting, that you decide in the end what is or is not right for you, and leave any guilt that you might have behind.

I was completely unaware before having kids the guilt that you carry with you. Are they eating a balanced nutritional diet? Are they getting enough exercise? Is this one TV show in the morning before preschool going to ruin her IQ for life? LOL Then comes the, Will she ever sleep in her own bed? Is he too rambunctious?
I have read up on things that are just absolutly ridiculous. Then when you read up on it, it is usually just one persons opinion on the matter.

So like I said before, do your research if you must. But when it comes down to it, seriously go with your gut. They don't call it mother's intuition for nothing. And those daddy's out there, believe it or not have it too!(even though they may not be able to hear it all the time) :D

~This blog was inspired by my brother and his new beautiful family. Me just reminiscing of when my babies, were babies.

Weaning

2010-07-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

To wean or not to wean.. that is the question!

Some parents plan to wean and others naturally let their children decide when they will stop. I am not sure which path I am on.

My son has recently turned 2, and I have felt it may be time to wean for quite a while now. I was going for the "don't offer, don't refuse" approach. Which means, I wouldn't offer for him to have a "bubba" but if he asked, I wouldn't refuse him. This didn't really work for me, because he asked for it all the time. Then I tried offering milk or water when he would ask to have a bubba, he went for it. Some of the time. So I realized that maybe he was just hungry for a snack, so I asked if he wanted something to eat. Now he seems to snack all the time.

So now after distracting him and offering snacks or beverage in a sippy, I had to deal with nap and bedtime. He wasn't nursing during the day except for the times he went to sleep. So for a few days last week, my husband would put him to bed. Same bedtime routine, brush teeth, read book. But this time my husband would ask my son if he would like a sip of milk. He went for it. It took him a little while to settle down, but it worked, he fell asleep. When he woke up the next morning, what was the first thing he asked for? Yes, a bubba. Back to the distraction and offering something else.

Then you throw a camping trip in the mix, and that just gets everyone mixed up! So this week we are back at square one. I am not sure where to go from here. Do I continue to slowly wean, or wait for more of a cue from him?

I have no advice on this topic, as I am learning myself. All I know is that one day, and probably soon, he won't want a bubba. I might be a little relieved at first, but a little sad at the same time as my little guy is growing up.

I would love to hear your breastfeeding or weaning stories. If you have any advice I would love to hear from you as well.

Hope you are having a great summer!

Love,

Tanesha

Mommy-hood

2010-07-03T09:41:00.001-07:00

I'm sharing my personal family blog because it talks about a bond that I formed with a very close friend, when I was a new mommy.

One of the most important things, for me, when I was home with my first born was getting out of my home and finding like-minded people AKA Mommies. I went to local Mother Babe groups and called many people off the printed out lists that they gave me, of new mommies in my area. My Public Health Nurse knew I was feeling isolated and was suffering from postpartum Depression which I believe, for me, was mainly triggered by the isolation. I needed to get out! To find friends! And fast!

Here's my story…

www.thebeattieblog.blogspot.com

Camping list

2010-06-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

This is a little list I made up for last weekends trip, with the family, to French Beach. Obviously, depending on the age of your kids, you'd need to improvise with diapers, wipes, etc, etc but it's a good template to go off of. Enjoy! Love Erin

o Beer
o Blankets
o Bowls
o Candles
o Cards/Games
o Chairs
o Cloth
o Clothes (lots)
o Clothes Pins
o Cooler
o Cups
o First-Aid kit
o Flashlights
o Foamies
o Garbage Bag
o Mugs
o Otis’s Stuff
o Paper Towel/Napkins
o Pillows
o Plates
o Rope
o Sand Toys
o Sharp Knife/Cutting Board
o Sleeping bags
o Soap
o Stove/Pot/Pan
o Sunscreen
o Tape
o Tarp
o Tent
o Toilet Paper
o Towels
o Utensils
o Washing Bucket
o Wood/Paper/Matches
o Zip Lock Bags

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

2010-06-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

As a parent we try to look at life the way our children do. They seem to see things in a more beautiful and innocent way. I think we try to cherish every moment of every day, but routines, schedules and appointments seem to get in the way sometimes.

I remember when my kids were small, and I would go through their clothes as the grew out of them, I felt sad that they weren't that small anymore. That they were growing up. Don't get me wrong, I was ecstatic at every milestone they hit, but just knowing they would never be that small again, made my heart hurt a little. I try to remember every day to enjoy who they are now, and who I am when I am with them.

The smallest things make such a difference. Going outside, instead of having to clean something. Deciding not to argue over that last carrot that hasn't been eaten. Letting her snuggle with you in the middle of the night, instead of feeling guilty for not helping her grow up and sleep in her own bed. Getting down to his level to play cars, instead of finishing up some work. All of these things are a struggle for me at the moment. I know that they are not this young forever, I should just stop what I am doing and do what they ask, but how can you do that on a daily basis? All day? Please, may I have fairy god mother to come in and clean my house, and organize my life so I could do nothing but play with my kids?? I wish. The truth is, you can't possibly, every day, all day. But when you do, and when you can, remember how special of a time it is. Make that happen more often. Truly enjoy every minute with your child. Enjoy the gifts of an ordinary day.

Inspired by a book written by Katrina Kenison

See a reading by Katrina on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0&feature=related

Love,

Tanesha

~A Trip to the Park~

2010-06-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today when my kids, niece and I were deciding which park to go to, I automatically picked the park closest to where we lived. We love this park, but today we chose it mostly for convenience. Then I thought, that we should try to experience all of the parks offered in Victoria, including Westshore, Greater Victoria and all of the surrounding areas. So today we start with Ocean View Park.

It's a great playground. Equipped with slides and swings, including 2 baby swings, this is a great park. It has a big grassy area to run around, and a picnic table so you can bring lunch!

One of our favourite things about this park, is that there is a trail that leads from one end of the park around to the other. Not too long of a trail for little ones, its perfect.

Keep checking back to see where we end up next!!

Here's a map to Ocean View Park~

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=Ocean+View+park+Colwood&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=Ocean+View+park&hnear=Colwood,+BC&view=map&f=d&daddr=Ocean+View+Park,+Colwood,+British+Columbia&geocode=CVFgRRYQDpQ1FczO4gId6X6j-CE1wYd0mY6ojQ&ved=0CDQQ_wY&sa=X&ei=nEEITPfjIJ-2NPnusbQO

Love,

Tanesha

~Create Your Own MamaBook~

2010-06-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Capture your memories and explore your creativity by recording some of those precious moments you want to remember forever.
Treat yourself to some Mama Time as facilitator, Nicolle Nattrass (Mama, professional playwright and actress) guides you as you start your own MamaBook.

This 3 hour workshop offers a fun, supportive and nurturing environment for you to take a moment for yourself and record some of the amazing experiences that are making up your Mama adventure. Explore this process through guided writing exercises, collage, sharing, free rants and lots and lots of laughter!

Please, bring your own journal or blank book, portfolio or whatever you choose to be your perfect “MamaBook”. This is the workshop to start the process!

For more information about Nicolle and her workshops, go to www.nicollenattrass.com

Date: Saturday, June 12
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $50.00
Location: St. Philip's Anglican Church
Coffee & tea and snack provided.
Pre-registration required, maximum 15 participants.

To register contact Heather Solomonson, Mother May I Productions at mothermayi@shaw.ca or 250-480-4849

Note: This meetup is intended for Moms only, no child-minding available.

Cake!

2010-06-03T07:24:00.001-07:00

Looking for a tasty chocolate cake recipe? Look no further!

1 cup butter
1 3/4 cups w. sugar (or less)
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups
2 1/2 cups flour
6 tbsp cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda and baking powder
pinch of salt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, pour into a 9 x 9 pan or two rounds. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350.
Let cool and ice with fresh whipping cream and strawberries or your favourite icing recipe. Enjoy!

Spending special time with my little man

2010-05-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

This week, I got some really special one-on-one time with my son Kohen, my second child.

My husband has been in Vancouver for the past 5 weeks, for school. He has come back almost every weekend, and we've gone there once to see him. His brother, and sister-in-law live over there and have two small kids, so my sister-in-law suggested that my daughter, Presley, come over for a few days to visit.

So Monday came and went. It was time for them to catch the ferry. This was going to be the longest I have been away from my 3 and a half year old daughter. She was so excited to be going on a trip with her Daddy! I told her I would miss her very much and her reply was "it's okay mum, I will talk to you on the 'puter' (computer) and I can call you every day." So cute. How did she get this grown-up?

The last few days have been strange, in a great way. I always thought of my son as a very busy, loud little boy, the last few days have proven me wrong. It has been so quiet and calm in our house. He doesn't feel the need to shout, as his sister isn't trying to talk over him, or interrupting him. He knows my attention is directly on him, and you can see that makes him feel so happy. We have long conversations at breakfast, lunch and dinner, just the two of us, and occasionally Uncle Ty will add to the conversation.

He seems so grown-up in his own unique, little way. His self expression and the words he uses have flourished overnight.

My husband and I have tried to have some special one-on-one time with either child before, but not for this long. I really appreciate the time I was given to truly be with my son. It's amazing how many directions we are pulled as a mother of two or more. Even a mother of one is pulled in different directions, trying to give their husband alone time too.

Take time to appreciate everyone you love in your family individually, as well as a family, because everyone in your family is their own special person.

Love,

Tanesha

A special Mama Renew Give-away!

2010-05-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

We received this great invitation and thought we'd share it will all our fans, followers and supporters.

Best of luck!

Love,

Erin

"A special invitation...

Stuck in May long weekend traffic I had a last minute inspiration to create a Virtual Mama Renew Retreat for all those of you who wish you could join us at Hollyhock.

For the next 4 days we'll be posting retreat updates on our blog with creative ideas for you to bring the Mama Renew spirit into your weekend with your family.

To join our Virtual Retreat simply "like" our Facebook Page
& enter to win one of our fabulous prizes!

How to Enter:
1. Join our Mama Renew facebook page
2. Share this invitation by email or facebook using the buttons at top right.
3. Comment on any of our facebook or blog posts between now and Monday 10pm
3. Multiple entries allowed!

Lucky Mama Prize Package

Create your own retreat with one complimentary night’s stay for two at Ocean Light Cottage & Spa where you will enjoy the best of Bowen Island’s beauty and abundance. Includes an organic continental breakfast and an infrared sauna session! Value $200.

Beautiful Mama Prize

Celebrate your beauty with a modern portrait by acclaimed photographer Kyrani Kanavaros of Klik Photographic. Kyrani’s portraits are a personal reflection of the essence of the self, captured in a moment, and treasured forever. Value $495 includes one hour photo shoot, online proofing gallery & a CD of 4×6 jpg photos.

Nourished Mama Prize Package

Nourish yourself with a personalized plan from Holistic Nutritionist Meghan Rathwell. She will help you meet your wellness goals - renewing energy and creating ease in the kitchen (It's possible, we promise!) A 75 minute personal consultation can be done by phone or in person. Value $95.

Calm Mama Prize Package

Nurture yourself with this luscious calming package from Mama Goddess Birth Shop, your online resource & store for birthing and growing families. Submerse yourself in Mama Goddess Calming Bath Salts. Revisit your serenity anytime with the Calming Mama Spritzer. Soothe your body and soul with Calming Mama Tea. Dim the lights and relax with Hummingbird Beeswax Candle & Votives. Value $75.

See you on the Virtual Retreat!
(and we promise to enjoy our time at Hollyhock & not gloat too much...)

www.mamarenew.ca & www.dancingstarbirth.ca

www.MamaRenew.ca | 4505 Bench Rd. | Duncan BC V9L 6M6
604 254 1100 & 250 737 1687 | info@mamarenew.ca"

The Babies Documentary - Contest!

2010-05-25T11:01:00.001-07:00

We are offering an opportunity to join us, in a showing of the Babies documentary!
To enter the contest you must;

1) Join our Facebook page,

2) Become a member of our website,

and

3) Tell us what you know now, that you wish you knew then. Whether you are TTC, pregnant, or already a Mumma. Please share your answers on our forum.

Good luck!

*Space is limited*

Brought to you by Tinseltots and the Odeon.

*This movie is open to anyone. If you don't happen to be the lucky recipient of the free tickets, you can still view this movie at reduced rate of only $4.50 per grown-up. Lowered volume for babies tender ears. Stroller parking in theatre.

Victoria Day long weekend

2010-05-24T08:39:00.001-07:00

Well,
I know that long weekends mean so much to different people, whether you are at home nesting and waiting for a new baby to arrive, just home from the hospital with your precious cargo, or enjoying the long weekend at home with your kids, remember to take the time to relax and renew yourself.

We're opting to skip the parade this year and instead get our yard and gardens ready for the summer. My kids are already dirty and sun-screened, getting ready to pick up fresh dirt for our gardens and some sand for their soon-to-be built sandbox. These are times that I'm thankful that Dave is handy with the power tools, as I am not. So, enjoy yourself/yourselves with whatever today may bring and remember to exhale and enjoy the people around you.

XX OO Love Erin

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-05-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today my daughter wanted to make cookies. What a great idea while her little brother was having his nap... so I decided to try Erin's Oatmeal Cookies. So thanks Erin for a great recipe!

~Cream together~

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter (or alternative)

~Add in~

1 tsp vanilla1 tsp milk (or alternative)
1/2 tsp b. soda
1/2 tsp b. powder
1/2 tsp salt

~Mix together with~

1 cup flour (whole wheat or white)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup chocolate chips
various other goodies (i.e. seeds, flax, bran, hemp hearts, dried fruit, etc)

Bake for 10-12 mins @350

And ENJOY!!!

Love,
Tanesha

Prerequisites of a Mom

2010-05-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with my first kid, I didn't think too far into the future or about the impending birth. With my second, I knew a little bit more about how a baby works and how to breastfeed. I did, however, think that I had one boy, then next one must be the same. Same parents, same sex, they must be alike. HA, was I wrong.

Over the past 6 years, I've morphed from the Mom of one baby, into the Mom of a toddler, then the Mom of a baby and a toddler and now they've grown into a preschooler and a grade 1'er. The learning curve that this has entailed from basic, daily survival to play dates with 3+ 6/7 year old boys has been wild! My purse now resembles a mix between a trip down the cracker aisle, a first-aid kit and a Hot Wheel/Bakugan graveyard.

There is no book that could have prepared me for the things they've said, the experiences we've shared, the laughs we've had and the tears we've shed. The best advice that I have ever been given is to relax and live in the moment. Time really does fly and before I know it they will be teenagers (gasp!). I'm relishing every minute of time with their friends, fun in the sun and snuggle times in bed, even if they do have freezing cold feet! I love being a Mom but who knew there would be so many prerequisites?

First Reach

2010-05-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Pregnant women, childbirth and babies are most definitely my passion and have been for about as far back as I can remember. I notice every baby bump I pass on the street and every baby I see brings a smile to my face. I can listen to birth stories all day long. I really feel that being a doula is what I was meant to do.
Recently I learned of the First Reach Program offered by the YMCA that helps woman from less than ideal backgrounds and situations through their journey into motherhood. I met with one of the counsellors this afternoon to see if there was a place for me in the program and feel like it would be a wonderful opportunity for me to learn as well as giving back to my community. Regardless of why they got pregnant or whether or not it is an ideal situation – bottom line is that they ARE pregnant – it is not our place to judge them as mothers or decide whether or not they should be a mother. They need someone to stand up for them and beside them and give them and their babies the best chance possible.
I am honoured that they would like me to join their program and look forward to the experiences that lie ahead for me there.

*Please contact me if you would like more information on the program or would like to donate gently used baby clothes, toys and supplies*

Lots of love as always,

Seanna

BC Ferries

2010-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

My kids (ages 3.5 and 22 months) and I decided to go to Langley on Thursday for the weekend. My husband is doing an 8 week course there and we miss him soo much. So after preschool on Thursday morning we decided to hop in the van and take the ferry to Vancouver.

The kids absolutely loved the idea of going on a 'big boat'. It had been a year since we last went over to the mainland so of course they didn't have much of a memory of our last trip. It was a beautiful day, blue skies, so we decided to sit outside. I had so much fun watching them enjoying their adventure and the beautiful weather, playing outside. My son, the youngest kept asking if we were going on the boat, I had to keep explaining that we were already on the boat. :)

To continue with our little adventure we headed back down to the kids area. Where as most of you probably already have discovered, a little slide on one side and an area with a flat screen TV, that constantly plays treehouse, on the other side of the boat. As I was watching my kids go up and down and around on the slide, over and over and over, I found myself admiring the weather outside.. again. Then I realized that people were smoking outside the kids area. Hmmm..

I brushed it off, but later we wanted to go outside again. We picked a nice spot to sit, not realizing what side of the boat we were on, and found ourselves in the smoking section. So I asked one of the crew members where else we could sit. She told me that the smoking section was not very big at all, so we found somewhere else to sit. But isn't it a little silly that the smoking section happens to be right in front of the kids play areas? On both sides of the boat? I found this quite disturbing. Kids do not need to be able to see people smoking. Most are probably oblivious, but then again, a lot of kids will go to mum and dad and ask what that person is doing? Or even try to imitate. I really think that this should be changed. I had the thought in the back of my mind to ask the Stewards Office for some information on who to speak with, but got caught up in chasing after my kids. We are planning to go back for another visit in a couple weeks so hopefully I will get the chance to share my thoughts with someone then. In the meantime if you feel that the smoking section should change to a more discrete location see what you can do! Just food for thought :)

Love
Tanesha

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday was my day to post as Seanna, Tanesha and I are rotating days as bloggers. Saturday came and left as I was busy enjoying the sun and my family.

I wanted to write about Mother's Day and what it means to me but it passed me by. For Mother's Day this year I got a cute little home-made book from Ben which page by page tells me what he likes about me and special things we like to do together. He also made me a beaded bracelet and planted a sunflower plant into a small, decorated pot.

It's really special to be someones Mom. To be the one to kiss boo boos and snuggle them to sleep. To be the one to help with homework, cheer them on during T-Ball games and to make cupcakes on demand for Cupcake Day at school. I am grateful to both of my kids for teaching me to slow down, to exude more warmth and enjoy the small things. Every day is different, some are good and some have challenges that I get to learn from. I have done things I'm proud of in parenting and some that I'm not. I have reacted poorly to tempter tantrums and I've had a few myself. But the good thing is that I get to try again, they forgive and they love me unconditionally. This is something that I have learned from them. So to me, Mother's Day isn't about me but it's about them and how lucky I am to be part of this club of women. Thank you Ben and Matthew. I love you both more than I could ever express.

Peanut Butter Playdough

2010-05-06T22:00:00.001-07:00

Peanut Butter Play dough!

We tried this recipe a while ago and my kids loved it! I found that I needed to add a bit more honey.

1 c. creamy peanut butter (I'm sure you could substitute with almond butter)
2-3 tbsp. honey (Substitute with applesauce)
1/2 - 3/4 c. powdered milk

1. Stir ingredients together. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
2. Roll mixture into balls.
3. Mold into favorite shapes. Eat and enjoy!

Make sure you have a helper on hand to help with the stirring!

Grab some toys and some yummy snacks to add, like marsh mellows and let the fun begin!!

This is fun to play with, a little messy, but good enough to eat!

Love,
Tanesha

Pregnancy, Childbirth, Motherhood and Well Meaning Unsolicited Advice

2010-05-06T17:26:00.001-07:00

Pregnancy, Childbirth, Motherhood and Well Meaning Unsolicited Advice

I don’t know what it is about a pregnant woman or a new mother that makes them a target for unsolicited advice from anyone and everyone – from close friends and family to complete strangers, people with children and people without. Some advice is handy information and some just makes you shake your head. As a parent of 2 kids, a 12 year old girl and an 8 year old boy I have learned to do a lot of nodding and smiling over the years. “Oh right...yes of course...what a great idea, I never thought of that...” all the while thinking to myself – you have got to be kidding!!! There is no topic off limits – circumcision, breastfeeding, midwife vs. doctor, homebirth vs. hospital birth. No matter what your choices or plans are, someone will be ready to tell you that your choices are wrong, your plans are crazy and that they know what is best for you. The key part of all of that is YOU – YOUR CHOICES – YOUR PLANS. At the end of the day it’s your body, your baby, your birth experience, your choices and YOUR LIFE. So do what is going to work best for you, and tune everyone else who disagrees with out. You have to do what works for you. Bottle fed babies turn out just fine, my daughter is 12, she is incredibly bright, beautiful , healthy and holds no hard feelings towards me for not being able to breastfeed her – never once has she turned to me and said “Mom you really let me down, I will never forgive for all the formula you made me gag back when I was a baby” and my son has never once thanked me for enduring the engorged breasts and the cracked nipples in order to successfully nurse him for 10 months. Your baby isn’t going to hold it against you if you needed to have an epidural to get you through your delivery. These choices are yours and yours alone to make. So listen to who you want and what you want, take in what you think might work for you and ignore what you know won’t. You will make mistakes, you will make the wrong choice from time to time AND you will do things perfectly and flawlessly from time to time. Just my thoughts – you don’t have to agree with – that is your choice

Lots of love to all of you, Seanna

One marshmallow or two

2010-05-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

After reading the little experiment in this months copy of Island Parent magazine, I couldn't wait to try it with my almost 4 year old at home.

"The Marshmallow Study, conducted in the 1960’s by Stanford University psychology researcher Michael Mischel, demonstrated how important self-discipline is to lifelong success. He started his longitudinal study by offering a group of 4-year-olds one marshmallow, but told them that if they could wait for him to return after running an errand, they could have two marshmallows. The “errand” took about fifteen to twenty minutes. The theory was that those children who could wait would demonstrate that they had the ability to delay gratification and control impulse." excerpted from Parents' Choice.

Well, Mr. Matthew was told the options and given a seat directly in front of the one marshmallow and told that he'd get two if he waited for me to do a quick load of laundry or just one if he ate it immediately. I was actually quite surprised to see him and the marshmallow both still sitting where I had left them 15 minutes earlier. Too cute!

Thanks for the experiment Island Parent and Walter Mischel.

Out and About

2010-04-30T07:08:00.001-07:00

May is International Doula month so to kick it off we'll be doing a little informal presentation for the Wee Baby group hosted by the Awesome Mommies'. Topics will mostly focus around new babies and new mommies as this group focuses on brand new babies. If you're a new mommy and want to get out to meet other new mommies or want to meet the us, please join us on May 3rd! For more information, contact us at info@vancouverislanddoulas.com.

Love,

Erin

2010-04-21T10:10:00.001-07:00

~Vancouer Island Doulas are now offering Belly Casting to our services~

Here are some messy but beautiful photos of the process to a memorable keepsake

Using warm water and gauze we get started. There are many designs that a belly cast can be trasnformed into, for this one we used a sweetheart neckline.

Before getting started we make sure mama is in a comfortable position, either sitting or standing, and that she has emptied her bladder. Here we are waiting for the gauze to harden.

A few moments later we carefully remove casting from mama.

Here we have it, the finished product. Made with beautiful fabric and lace accents. Also can be hung on the wall. Nice accent for anywhere in the house...maybe babes nursery?

A great idea for an event at a baby shower, a complete casting for a baby shower gift, or as a gift to yourself to remember your body in its pregnant form.

This can be added to your Doula services for $75. Please contact Erin, Seanna or Tanesha for more information.

* If you are attempting this on your own please make sure you have researched thoroughly*

Love,
Tanesha

Awesome Mommies

2010-04-08T15:55:00.001-07:00

Tanesha and I met today with two of the owners of Awesome Mommies to discuss how we could benefit each other. We met at a popular, kid-friendly cupcake stop on Estevan called Crumbsby's which is always a welcome treat for my kids (see below). Stay tuned to see how this unfolds…

We, as a collective, are into our 7 month of being in business and are just branching out into the advertising world. Yikes! There are so many different avenues to explore, some of which are quite pricey, is it worthwhile? Island Parent magazine, Vancouver Island Baby Fair, business cards, rack cards, memberships to join to link onto sites, etc, etc. Does anyone have feedback on this?

The first 7 months has been a blast! Thank you Seanna and Tanesha!

XXOO Erin

Shoes!

2010-04-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

These shoes alone made me almost want one more baby….almost

Love,

Erin

2010-03-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today my thoughts and heart are with the Kosty's, who are climbing a mountain that no parent should have to climb.

Love you,

Erin

Monday

2010-03-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Each of my weekdays usually blend into one; coffee, kids, clean and repeat…

Today though was different!

After dropping off Ben (Grade 1) at school, Matty (aged 3) and I came home to commence the

usual routine as mentioned above only to have an epiphany. I was starting my Monday morning clean only to look down and see this beautiful smiling face looking back up at me.

I realized even though the dishes were piling up,

the floor needed sweeping,

and my hair needed washing (photo not provided) that those things don't matter to the little ones. I instead picked him and we danced to my favourite Norah Jones song.

The morale I felt today and will remember every day is that life is short and they are only little for a short period of time. Put down the broom, vacuum, and/or iphone and enjoy our time together.

Love,

Erin